Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The EU response to Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination.

Collectively, the EU and its Member States have provided approximately €98 billion in financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support to Ukraine since February 2022.

I continue to engage with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and at the Foreign Affairs Council, most recently on 22 April, to ensure that Ukraine continues to get the support it needs. Recent European Councils have demonstrated the EU’s continued steadfast support for Ukraine via the adoption of the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility” and the €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund, which respectively will strengthen the macro-financial stability of Ukraine over the coming years and ensure the continued provision of military assistance as it exercises its legitimate right to self defence.

Bilaterally Ireland has committed approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance to date under the European Peace Facility. We are committed to providing further support in a manner that reflects Ukrainian needs. This has been demonstrated by Ireland joining the Lithuanian and Icelandic-led demining coalition under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which has been formed as a direct response to the Ukrainian need for the clearance of landmines from vast areas of its territory.

Ireland has also worked with EU partners to ensure that Russia is held accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The 13 packages of targeted sanctions adopted by the EU are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. Over 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. The EU has been working with third countries to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat sanctions circumvention. Ireland fully supports these efforts, which are being led by the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan.

Ireland has been a strong advocate for Ukraine's European membership aspirations at EU level and welcomed the recent decision by the European Council to launch accession negotiations. I believe that EU membership will be the greatest long-term guarantee of Ukraine’s future security and prosperity. Ireland has always been a strong supporter of EU enlargement and we will stand ready to continue to support Ukraine as it progresses on its European path.